Fibromyalgia and TMJ Disorders

Features of temporomandibular disorders in fibromyalgia syndrome.
– Source: Cranio, January 31, 2013

By M.J. Pimentel, et al.

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of clinical features of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with fibromyalgia.

The test group (FMG) consisted of 40 women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to the control group of 40 healthy subjects using the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). The variables were compared using Fisher's exact test and a Mann-Whitney test.

Facial pain was reported by 85% of the FM group, and 77.5% were diagnosed with myofascial TMD.

There was no difference between groups in: (1) joint noises; (2) sleep bruxism/clenching; and (3) excursive or non-excursive movements.

Classic signs of TMD, such as joint noise and self-reporting of clenching at night, are not associated with fibromyalgia syndrome as demonstrated in the current study.

However, the self-reported daytime parafunctions, muscle pain in jaw movements, and limited mouth opening are features of the patients in the current study.

This study revealed specific muscle involvement of TMD is also presence in FM.

Source:Cranio, January 31, 2013. By M.J. Pimentel, M.S. Gui, L.M. Martins de Aquino, C.M. Rizzatti-Barbosa. Department of Periodontology and Prosthodontics, State University of Campinas, School of Dentistry, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil.